Russian driver had been under pressure after slow start to life at Red Bull
Monday 25 May 2015 16:29, UK
Martin Brundle was impressed with Daniil Kvyat’s performance in Monaco after the Russian finished fourth to record the best result of his Formula 1 career.
The 2013 GP3 champion was thrust into the spotlight at Red Bull after just a solitary season with Toro Rosso following Sebastian Vettel’s shock departure to Ferrari.
But he made a slow start to life at the senior team, picking up just five points in the opening five races, being beaten by team-mate Daniel Ricciardo in all bar one grand prix, leading to criticism from Red Bull driver programme boss Helmut Marko.
“He’s had to show some confidence and some self-belief because he was making mistakes, he wasn’t particularly quick and the governor started complaining about him,” said Brundle.
“But that is what it is all about, this is the high end, there are no excuses, there is nowhere to hide at this level, but he does seem like he is bringing it around. I mean that was a bold move on his team-mate down into Turn One.”
The Russian’s performance also impressed Red Bull team principal Christian Horner who said: “I think it was a great race for Kvyat. He had a good start and then his pace was good in the race. He delivered when he needed to and managed the tyres extremely well.”
Kvyat himself admits he had started to feel the pressure but was delighted with the result and is already eyeing his first podium finish.
“It was a very positive day, my highest by far career finish so it is a massive relief,” he told Sky Sports F1. “Next step, you know where it is. I am feeling quite happy at the moment.”
“The bits were there and there, it was all there for a good race, we were missing out a little bit in the first races, but this race seemed to come to us a bit more. Maybe this track suited us a bit more, but hopefully now we can carry this momentum into the next races. All in all it was a very positive weekend.”
Don’t miss the F1 Midweek Report for analysis and reaction to the Monaco GP. Natalie Pinkham is joined by F1 journalist Will Buxton and Lotus reserve driver Jolyon Palmer on Wednesday at 8:30pm on Sky Sports F1.
